- Thakadu River Camp- North West Province Accommodation -Madikwe Game Reserve
Thakadu River Camp is a wholly owned Community based tented lodge within the Madikwe Game Reserve. Thakadu; located on the banks of the Marico River, is an ecotourism partnership between North-West Parks, the Molatedi Community and the operator, The Madikwe Collection. The community has 45-year lease to operate a commercial lodge with traversing rights across the reserve. The concept is unique in South Africa in that the community owns the development, with substantial benefits accruing back to the community itself.
The main camp is located between the Marico and a small tributary of the Marico. The main area comprises an open plan lounge, dining and reception area, with the pool and bar area offering views of the gully and river to the north. A traditional ‘lapa’ falls within a glade of natural riverine forest. The décor of the camp has a strong Afro Asian Safari ambience to it, with use of natural stones, fibres, cloth and carpets as well as metal and wood featuring prominently throughout the camp. The influence of the river is very apparent, with the trees, birds and water providing a peaceful and tranquil mood within the camp.
Thakadu River Camp is set within the riverine canopy and comprises 12-tented suites, each with their own viewing deck overlooking the Marico River. The tents are large and spacious and are wonderfully decorated and appointed. Within the canvass frame, the interior is uniquely designed to incorporate a full bathroom. Each tent has a sliding door that opens onto a private deck overlooking the river.
This lodge has an 8-bed satellite camp, Little Thakadu, with its own private lounge, dining and pool area ensuring privacy and exclusivity and perfect for small groups and families.
Madikwe Game Reserve is MALARIA FREE and offers 75000 hectares of prime Game Viewing including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino. As well as the Big Five Madikwe offers fantastic opportunities to view the rare and endangered Wild Dog, which is a mega "tick" on any game viewers list. There is also extensive plains game and over 340 species of birds to attract your attention.
Moring and afternoon/evening game drives in an open game-viewing vehicle, bush sundowners and drink stops on the Reserve, visits to hides. Regrettably, due to safety concerns, children under 6-years of age are unable to participate in game-drives. Superb Game Rangers with indigenous knowledge and passion for the bush will make your game drive memorable.
Rise to the African dawn and join your morning game drive with your professional ranger who will show you the wonders of the bush including the thrill of search for the big 7, birdlife and the lovely terrain.
Our rangers are all very well trained and have a deep passion for the bush. Their in-depth knowledge will entertain and delight you. Coffee and teas served at a point chosen during the drive, arriving back at the lodge for a sumptuous Brunch the day is yours to spend as you please with a book on your deck, swimming in the pool, or just relaxing in your tent. You choose. Tea will be served before the dusk game drive where you will again experience the bush in different conditions and this time watch the African sun set with a sundowner drink. This will set you up for your dinner, with shared stories of your day before it is time to dream of what’s to come tomorrow.
Our favorite treat is to stop the vehicle during the drive and for everyone to remain quiet. The silence is deafening, a sound that remains with everyone.
Kid’s Programme
Thakadu River Camp is one of the very few 5-star lodges in the Madikwe Collection that welcomes children and by doing so, avails them to the wonders of nature, wildlife and our delicate eco-system. Children also get to go on their own game drive after breakfast to one of the waterholes with the Ranger. Before heading off on their drive, the kids will be issued with a workbook (those old enough), where they can tick off the things they’ve seen (dung, animals, spoor and trees). The one with the most ticks gets a surprise on arrival back to camp. This way, kids are also included in activities and Mom and Dad can have a restful weekend without worrying about the kids.
Fact Sheet
Number of suites |
8 tents &
4 Family tents |
Private Plunge Pool |
No |
Separate w.c. |
Yes |
Meeting Room Facilities |
Yes |
Maximum Guests |
24 |
Lodge Pool |
Yes |
Lodge Safe |
Yes |
Suitable for disabled Guests |
No |
Children |
Yes |
Indoor Bath |
Yes |
Mini Bars |
No |
Power |
220v AC |
Air-Conditioning |
Yes |
Indoor shower |
Yes |
Telephone |
Yes |
Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle |
If available, at an extra cost |
Room Fans |
No |
Outdoor Shower |
No |
Hairdryers |
Yes |
Babysitting |
Yes@ additional cost |
General Enquiry Information
Contact details
Tel: +27 (0) 39 975 1325
Email:abemeyer@roamingafrica.com
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